Heritage Academy changes name

Since its opening in 1964, the private school has been Heritage Academy.

Now, the school will be named Columbus Heritage Academy.

In an email, Jeff Farnham, the school's board president, said the name change was solely about clarity.

"The primary reason for the change is to identify Heritage with Columbus as its city of location and community of support," Farnham wrote. "The school will transition to this new name over the coming months. The name is not intended as a change of identity rather to provide a clearer form of identification."

The school mission, beliefs, and philosophy remain the same and are captured in the school motto, "High Moral Standards and Academic Excellence," he said. The school's nickname, The Patriots, will not be changed.

Although it is a subtle change, Heritage Director of Technology and Marketing, Janet Lewis, said the school will benefit from the name change.

"Moving forward as Columbus Heritage Academy will allow us to build on our traditions and a strong foundation of academic excellence," Lewis said.

"We are also proud to distinguish our school as a part of the Columbus community."

Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.